Reported live from the White House.
“Our core goal is to achieve peace and security for all peoples of the region.” – Pres. Obama
The most important thing Pres. Obama said about Afghanistan is that “It is my intention to finish the job.”
For more see Jake Tapper, with ABC News having video.
When Mark Knoller asked his question on Afghanistan, he attempted levity by talking about the leakers: “I suspect you don’t want my colleagues and I to rely on leaks until next week.” Obama smiled, then said, “Why stop now?”
Leaks have been a sore subject with the Administration. Obama went into how deliberative the process has been. When he said that what he’s about to decide isn’t just important to the U.S., but is also critical to the whole region, P.M. Singh nodded. It seemed clear throughout the presser that in their talks, which yielded concrete agreements on U.S. – Indian “cooperation, a connection was made between the two leaders. But, of course, Knoller did not get a definitive answer, which Obama said will come “after Thanksgiving,” with the current rumor targeting next Tuesday, but that’s pure speculation, when Obama may address the nation on his decision. After sidestepping a direct answer, Pres. Obama said that this should give “sufficient preview until after Thanksgiving.” The quote at the top is foreshadowing, with Pres. Obama’s decision likely not to make anyone happy on either side.
Beyond Afghanistan, Obama also addressed Pakistan, saying it’s not the place of the U.S. to solve the issues between these two countries. Further stating that there were times when the U.S. was solely focused on the military aspects of our relationship with Pakistan, with strategy ignoring what lies beyond. This is when Obama specifically called Clinton out giving her a nod, though he wasn’t sure where she was seated in the room, saying she had “done an excellent job to focus our State Dept. on that front,” meaning beyond the military aspects.
Nuclear issues, civilian and military, were also stressed, with both leaders agreeing on joint commitments to denuclearize. Copenhagen and climate change was up front as well.
Obama also acknowledged Mumbai attacks, which happened one year ago come the 26, November, but also terrorism and national security threats, which impact the entire region, as well as the U.S. Tapper has full quotes as well:
“It is in our strategic interests, in our national security interests, to make sure that Al Qaida and its extremist allies cannot operate effectively… We are going to dismantle and degrade their capabilities and ultimately dismantle and destroy their networks.”
The pictures below are mostly self-explanatory: 1) White House from the walk to the press briefing room; 2) Pres. Obama and P.M. Singh, the view from my seat; 3) Stunning chandeliers in the East Room; 4) White House, with press briefing room and walk way where we enter. 5) Thought you’d like to see where the traditional networks situate themselves for reports from the White House.
Oh, and the latest from the State Dept., where Clinton hosted a lunch for PM Singh. Here’s the menu and the wine served, remembering that the Prime Minister is a strict vegetarian.
The menu at the lunch included Butternut squash soup, Arugula, endive and roasted pear salad (with St. Pete’s Blue Cheese and Walnut Oil Vinaigrette) for the first course. The main course included sun-dried tomato crusted sea bass, toasted couscous (with grilled zucchini, red onion and fennel) and haricots verts for the main course. And for dessert: Apple Croustade with caramel and toasted pecans and vanilla ice cream.
The meal was served with Conundrum 2007 and Ravines Pinot Noir 2007.
Below is the live Twitter feed from the event earlier this morning (with this post originally posted in the 9:00 a.m. hour), though it got a bit slow once it all started, as many in the room were tweeting like mad.
9:56:09 AM: Pres Obama hosts PM Singh today with State Visit, official State Dinner this evening.
9:58:46 AM: In earlier remarks, which I watched via press briefing room, Singh said US and India must work to make world free of nuclear weapons.
11:22:45 AM: Inside the East Room White House, jammed w press, including very large Indian delegation. Presser set to start @ 11:35 am
11:29:59 AM: The chandeliers are spectacular, with large rectangular mirrors on the long walls. Maybe 250 press, cameras 2 rows deep, US press separate
11:50:07 AM: Waiting for Obama and Singh, the East Room gets chatty, as the kids get restless.
11:58:51 AM: For those of you reading this is http://www.taylormarsh.com this is a LIVE TWITTER REPORT.
12:08:09 PM: Obama: India is one of our “defining partnerships.” Hillary Clinton is also present. Obama to visit India in 2010
12:11:08 PM: Obama recommits to US civil nuclear commitment; clean energy partnership; phase our subsidies for fossil fuels. Men
12:11:13 PM: Obama recommits to US civil nuclear commitment; clean energy partnership; phase our subsidies for fossil fuels.
12:17:32 PM: Singh: “values of democracy, pluralism” celebrated today. ..We admire the leadership” of 0bama. Defense cooperation strengthening.
12:20:40 PM: Both Obama + Singh stressed importance of Copenhagen, reaching strong agreement on climate change. Nuclear security stressed.
12:22:20 PM: Mark Knoller: Kidded of leaks, asked about Afghanistan.
12:23:37 PM: It is in our strategic interest to destroy al Qaeda. After 8 years, “It is my intention to finish the job.”
12:32:08 PM: “Sect Clinton has done an excellent job to focus our State Dept. on that front,” talking abour Pakistan, beyond military.
12:35:20 PM: Clear it seemed that Obama and Singh were in sync, signaling a stronger relationship going forward. My analysis, anyway.
UPDATE II (11.25): Robin Givhan on last night’s festivities. Being fortunate enough to get pool reports, I prefer them and thank those who wrote up the evening’s fun. Sounds like the Obama’s know how to throw a party.
UPDATE: The list of expected attendees to tonight’s State Dinner has finally been released.
This post has been updated with further analysis, links and photos beyond what was first published early this morning.
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